The Trout at Tadpole Bridge, Oxfordshire

Overview

The Trout is a lovely old inn, next to pretty-as-a-picture Tadpole Bridge, which traverses the River Thames deep within the Oxfordshire Cotswolds. Surrounded by fields and with the river flowing past the garden, the honey-coloured former 18th-century toll house celebrates the very best of British country life.

It looks the business with its half-stripped wooden panels, exposed stone, oak beams and Farrow & Ball paint job. There's a cracking bar dispensing local ales, with a log-burning stove, plus a cosy dining area where you can dive into a menu that showcases regional produce and offers British classics.

The Thames-side garden is a star attraction, with its smart wooden tables replete with parasols to keep the Oxfordshire sunshine at bay, and the river to provide an ever-changing vista. The inn has four berths on the river if you're inclined to arrive by water. With simple, smart accommodation and private dining facilities, the Trout is a class act that hasn't forgotten its roots as a pub.

It is well placed to explore the upper reaches of the river, whether sailing along it or following the Thames Path walking trail that runs alongside it.

Rooms from

6 doubles: £95

Good to know

Visa and Mastercard accepted
Private & alfresco dining
Disabled access
Parking & boat mooring available
Dog stay: £15

Water and waves
The Thames flows right by the garden making the inn an excellent spot for fly-fishing, sailing, canal-boating or walking the riverside path.

Dog-friendly
Dogs are welcome to join you in the bar are and can stay overnight in the three courtyard rooms, dog beds and bowls are available, too.

Rooms

In keeping with the fabulous waterfront location, each of the six stylish guest rooms (five doubles & a suite) is named after a fishing fly and most boast stunning views across the river.

All are individually decorated in a soothingly smart, country style, with calming hues of blue and gold, and robust, high-quality furniture, including vintage brass beds. Three are set in a rose-covered courtyard and offer good disabled access.

The modern bathrooms are fitted with either rain showers or claw-foot bathtubs with stand-in showers, and Bramley toiletries bring a touch a luxury.

Restaurant & bar

The kitchen's output is right at the heart of what the Trout is all about, with the team turning out dishes that are based on pub classics (given a modern twist) and more creative dishes, such as local game from surrounding shoots and Kelmscott free-range pork for Sunday lunch.

Freshwater fish in the form of brown and rainbow trout (of course) can be sourced nearer to the pub, and nearby farms and estates contribute fruit and vegetables. The menu serves up pub-style stuff with a bit of flair, so you might tuck into St James' Scottish smoked Salmon, watercress and shaved fennel, brisket Burger with ruby slaw, baby gem, fries and onion relish, and lemon tart with crème fraiche.

Best washed down with a pint of Trout Bitter (brewed by local Ramsbury Brewery) or a decent bottle from the carefully chosen wine list, perhaps an English fizz from Hanttingley Valley Vineyard in Hampshire.

Private dining

The Trout is a fully licensed wedding venue - a wooden gazebo forms the perfect space for an outdoor ceremony, while there is space to host a Champagne reception in the romantic riverside garden, and the team can cater a full wedding breakfast in the restaurant. The garden can be used for other private events and there is a private dining room that can seat guests for an exclusive dinner party.

Experiences

Discover small-batch spirits made with ancient grain and get a behind-the-scenes tour with tasting at The Oxford Artisan Distillery, otherwise known as TOAD, situated in Oxford’s South Park.

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Experience the rare chance to play a day’s unlimited golf on three championship courses at one of the best sporting venues in the south of England and enjoy a night’s stay and dinner at a 17th century riverside inn.

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Things to do

Located in the idyllic Oxfordshire Costwolds, an area known for its breathtaking scenery, pretty villages and open countryside. The area is rich in wildlife due to its location in the upper Thames floodplain whose traditional wildflower meadows are home to rare wading birds, butterflies and flowers such as meadow foxtails and green-winged orchids. Cotswolds Wildlife Park and Gardens, the largest privately owned zoo in the UK, is less than 10 miles away.

For a culture fix, head to Buscot Park, which features one of the finest art collections in the country; Ashdown House, which was built for the "Winter Queen" - Queen Elizabeth of Bohemia - in 1662; Kelmscott Manor, the home of William Morris who founded the Arts and Crafts movement; or simply take a stroll around the charming market town of Bampton, which doubles as the village in the period drama Downton Abbey. Alternatively, make your way to Oxford, the "city of dreaming spires", to explore its historic architecture.

Getting here

Directions

Nearest train station: Long Hanborough
Taxi from station: 25min
Drive: Oxford 30min; Swindon 30min; London 2hr

Address

Buckland Marsh, Faringdon, Oxfordshire SN7 8RF

The Trout at Tadpole Bridge

From £90 per night